Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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Welcome to summer! It’s been a rough week with temps in the 90’s and high humidity. It’s time to get out and get acclimated. I
made it out twice this week—first walking with Cindi at Griggs, and then for a couple miles in my neighborhood. Pretty rough with
the sweat and nausea—hopefully the weather will break soon, or I’ll be acclimated.
It’s been an exciting and busy time for Striders over the past two months. A group of us went to Cincinnati for the Flying Pig; Tom
and Peg Landini went to a racewalking clinic in Chicago; and a group participated in the Powell 5K. Look for great reviews of all
these events inside, along with Cindi Leeman’s review of her favorite park. Thanks also to Barb Chuko and Pat Roam for supplying
articles.
It’s training time again for half marathons. Members are training for Parkersburg Half Marathon in August, and New Albany 10K and
the Air Force Half Marathon in September. For a quick race, please plan on joining us at the Westerville Rotary 5K on the 4 th of July
—should be a lot of fun.
Interest has been expressed in bringing Bonnie Stein back to town. Tentatively, we’re looking at her being here the few days before
the New Albany race (September 10-13). If you haven’t done so already, please let me know if you would be interested.
Tomorrow (June 27th) will be our second picnic/monthly meeting. The first one in May was a great success with a lot of food, fun and
information. Amy Davin came out from Fleet Feet, and her friend Kendra Petrill from Step and Stride (www.stepandstride.com).
Come on out and join us at the next picnic in July.
This was a big week, with the passing of two pop culture icons, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, at relatively young ages. Let’s
always keep in mind that every day is a gift, and to get out and enjoy life while we can!
Deb
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RACEWALK CLINIC
By Tom Landini
Even though I had never done it before May of this year, I enjoyed a 4-mile racewalk in Columbus's Antrim Park this morning. I
wasn't the only walker, but I was the only one using the classic racewalking form -- you know the one; unbent knee at heel strike and
under the body (sometimes), swiveling hips, swinging bent arms. Other "fitness walkers" used all manner of locomotion, some
reminding me of Monty Python's Ministry of Silly Walks skit. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZlBUglE6Hc)
But I wasn't silly walking; I was racewalking. (OK, it can look silly, but you know what I'm talking about.) Moreover, I went faster,
farther, used less effort and burned more calories than I would have if I'd fitness walked or jogged. And, I'm hoping, racewalking is
more sustainable than those other activities. I hope to be doing it a long time from now.
So how was I able to racewalk "properly" when I hadn't done it before May? Simply, I'd attended a two-day racewalking clinic taught
by a veteran coach and a two-time Olympian. The coach is Jeff Salvage and the Olympian is Tim Seaman.
Salvage has held clinics for many years, but this was the first in combo with Seaman. This one was in Chicago's Lincoln Park
neighborhood on the north side of Chicago on a warm May weekend.
. . . . COLUMBUS WALKING AND RACEWALKING CLUB . . . .
http://home.roadrunner.com/~racewalker Volume 11 Issue 4 July/August 2009
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I really didn't know what to expect as I walked into the middle school auditorium reserved for the first day's activities. The fog soon
cleared as Salvage launched into a comprehensive presentation on racewalking form. I found it a little odd that an athletic clinic
started with a sit down lecture, but the form is so different from anything I'd encountered before that I found it quite useful. Salvage is
also a skilled photographer, and presented many high quality images of elite racewalkers, pointing out the finer points of their
technique (and faults).
A diverse group attended the clinic. There were a few beginners like me. But there were also very experienced racewalkers. And here's
what I found curious about this clinic: the ages ranged from 12 to 70! Despite the diversity, Salvage and Seaman made it all work for
each of us. The beginners got lessons in starting out well, while the experienced got feedback and pointers that helped them out, too.
After the lecture, the 25 attendees (including my wife Peggy, a six-month racewalking veteran) ambled out to a neighborhood park for
some experiential learning. Salvage led us in a number of warm up drills. Seaman demonstrated technique and soon had us practicing.
It was during this time I received some individual attention from Seaman. For a beginner like me, getting a little undivided attention
from an Olympian was priceless.
In the afternoon, Salvage put his photographic skills to work taking a series of stills of each of us practicing the racewalking form as
we zoomed around the little park. Then we went inside again to have Salvage and Seaman critique each of our pictures as they
projected the photos and marked them up.
Again, as a beginner, I found this feedback quite valuable. And seeing other participants, some quite experienced and credentialed, get
the same treatment revealed quite a bit about racewalking form and technique.
The second day started outside with Salvage leading us in more drills. One I found particularly valuable was the Zombie Walk. Best
done going uphill, the Zombie helps with hip rotation. To do it, cross your arms over your chest and put a hand on each shoulder. Then
start walking up a hill. Without the use of your arms, your hips almost have to rotate. Once you feel this rotation happening, you can
call it up at will.
More feedback was to come as Salvage got out his video camera. He shot footage of each of us from the side and the front as we
racewalked by.
Then it was back inside to watch the videos and have Salvage and Seaman critique them. Again, the feedback was invaluable. Seeing
others get their feedback was also helpful. Video can show you if you're actually doing what you think you're doing as you're
racewalking. I'm not, at least not entirely. Quite useful to see that with your own two eyes.
The clinic's last session was a lecture tying everything together. Seaman presented some guidelines for constructing training schedules.
He and Salvage also talked about what to look for in a racewalking shoe. Mid-sole flexibility and a low heel seem to be the main
considerations. Most running shoe heels are so thick with padding that it can interfere with heel strike.
One of the things I found most fascinating was Seaman's shoe consumption. That is, he pushes off his back foot with such force that a
pair of shoes last him 3 to 5 days! I'm not quite there yet.
As a racewalking beginner I found the clinic quite valuable. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in participating in the sport. That
goes for beginners and experts alike. The quality of instruction, feedback and attention can't help but improve anyone's experience of
the sport.
For more information about clinics, see http://racewalkclinic.com. There you'll find information on upcoming clinics and racewalking
technique. You can also purchase a copy of Savage and Seaman's new book, Racewalk Clinic in a Book.
The August meeting will be a business meeting/picnic at Sharon Woods Park on August 22 after the Group Walk.
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GROUP WALKS
The Group Walks will be on Saturdays starting at 8:00 am. The walks will be rotated about the city to make it more convenient for
members to attend. Walkers of all paces and fitness levels are welcome to join the group. The schedule for May and June is as
follows:
Franklin Park is at 1777 East Broad Street. Meet in the parking lot near the entrance to the Conservatory.
Alum Creek Park North is in Westerville on the south side of West Main Street and east of Alum Creek. Meet at the arched trellis at
the northwest corner of the park.
Whetstone Park is reached west off High Street on Hollenback Drive just south of the Whetstone Library. Meet in the parking lot near
the picnic shelter next to the path at the bridge.
The entrance to Sharon Woods is on Cleveland Avenue opposite Saint Ann’s Hospital. Go to the first parking lot on the left after
entering the park. Meet at the starting point for the bike path.
Tuttle Park is at 240 West Oakland Avenue It is reached west off High Street or Neil Avenue on Oakland Avenue three blocks north of
Lane Avenue. Meet in the parking lot east of the recreation building
If it is raining or the weather is otherwise undesirable for walking outside, the Group Walk will move inside to the indoor track in the
gym at Capital University when it is available, otherwise to a place TBD. The Capital gym is on the north-east corner of Pleasant
Ridge & Mound Street on the Capital campus in Bexley. Enter the Capital gym from Mound Street. Park at any available parking
spaces on the street.
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Ten Buckeye Striders attended the Cincinnati Flying Pig Half Marathon on May 2.
We arrived by two carpools of four each, and one couple, Peg and Tom, who were extra dedicated and participated in the Pump n’
Run, lifting weights the day before. The rest of us spent the day in the large Expo gobbling up bargains of shoes, socks, shoe inserts,
clothing, etc., and checking out downtown Cincinnati. We had lunch at a deli and dinner at the event special Pasta Pigout, which was
lots of fun with wonderful live music, and I mean lively. Deb was champing at the bit to dance but was restrained by the limited space
under the tent. Afterward, though we let go and danced a bit on Fountain Square, watching several young couples in their elegant
prom outfits pose for pictures.
Race day turned out to be a beautiful day after a dreary start; just cool enough to enjoy the long brisk, slightly hilly walk, through
Eden Park, past Mirror Lake (this is Cinci, not OSU!), and the Overlook. To some the hills seemed endless, but eventually after the
turn-around, it was all downhill to the end at Great American Ballpark where the Reds play. There were lots of goodies available
including free brats, hotdogs and massages, which were much appreciated!
There was a bit of a climb over and through the Stadium to get back to our Millennium Hotel; a bit like crossing the Roman Coliseum
with no marked route.
All the reports of the event were good; it was fun, friendly and well-planned. The veteran Pig participants did say, however, that
previous years had more music on the course, but it seemed good to me. The only part lacking music was the long downhill homeward
stretch over the bridges, and I was focused on just getting back at that point.
THOMPSON PARK
By Cindi Leeman
One of my favorite places to walk is often overlooked – Thompson Park also known as the Lane Road Park in Upper Arlington. The
park is located behind the Lane Road Library and is surrounded by Mountview Rd., McCoy Rd., Woodbridge and Lane.
The park has a combination of sidewalks and asphalt trails around the outer edges with trails cutting through the middle giving several
route options. I usually just walk the outside loop, which is about 1.15 miles – similar to one loop around Antrim Lake. There is a map
along the Woodbridge side of the park which indicates the distances of each loop. The park also features exercise equipment at
various points. Remember when these types of courses were really popular in the 1980s? There are stops to do pull ups and crunches
among other exercises.
The park is host to lots of sporting activities from softball to soccer, giving walkers plenty of things to watch. The library has a small
parking lot, which can get crowded during the height of softball season. There are also parking lots on each side of the park. (I’m
fortunate that I can walk the one mile from my house to this park.)
Despite the many sports activities held here, the trail is rarely crowded. Though it gets lots of use, I have never found it to be too
crowded for comfort. I see many couples from the neighborhood walking, roller bladers, joggers and I have even seen a few
racewalkers here. In addition, the dog walkers are the best! These owners have their pets under control.
One of the benefits of this park is that there are very few spots that are isolated. There are many houses facing the park and walkers
benefit from the street lights. In the fall and winter when the days get short, I feel comfortable walking here a little later than at other
parks.
In the center of the park near the tennis courts is a building with water fountains and restrooms. (I don’t know when the restrooms
are locked.) The library is also nice. The restrooms are open to the public there are also water fountains.
If you are looking for someplace a little different to walk, I highly recommend checking out the Thompson Park!
Entrance Marker
Exercise Station for Crunches
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POWELL SPRING 5K
By Pat Roam
The Powell Spring 5K was a race I had completed several times before. First of all, I felt the need to support my own community, and
several of my Rotary colleagues usually join in. Since I had always had positive experiences with this race, I encouraged the Striders
to take part. In fact, last year there was a new race director and the race was fun with lots of random raffle prizes. Well, what a
difference a year makes!
What happened, I’m not quite sure, but I didn’t recognize this race. It was not well organized throughout the course and several of us
got lost. The good news was that we got extra miles in, but at the expense of our time. Volunteers were to be at the critical path points,
but evidently left after the runners were finished. There were no directions for walkers.
The check-in line was organized and moved quickly. The T-shirts handed out however, were cotton, not technical. The finish line food
was well stocked and adequate. We waited for the raffle which didn’t seem to happen. I noticed other participants were unclear, as
well, about what to expect.
There wasn’t a walking division or prizes for the top walkers. Some members suggested that their documented time was incorrect.
Overall, it was not a good experience and there were few redeeming qualities. As a typically positive person, I tried to identify some
saving grace, but, Striders, it isn’t there this time.
In an effort to do the right thing, I and other Striders, offered feedback to the race management team. Hopefully, it was accepted in the
spirit it was given. This could be a fun neighborhood race if attention is given to some key areas.
For me, I don’t have it on my race schedule for 2010.
RACE RESULTS
Buckeye Striders walked in the events listed below.
ATHENS HALF MARATHON, Athens, OH, April 5, 2009
75-79M Bill Baasel 3:08:53 1st AG
FLYING PIG PUMP & RUN HALF MARATHON, Cincinnati, OH, May 3, 2009
55-60W Peggy Landini 2:52:25
NEW ALBANY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 4 MILER, New Albany, OH, May 3, 2009
Jack Shuter 53:43
WALK/RACEWALK CALENDAR
The following races have walking divisions
July 4 - July 4th 10 Miler & Hickory Chase 5K, 8:00 am, Makoy Center, Hilliard, OH *1
Westerville Rotary 5K, 8:00 am, Alum Creek Park North, Westerville, OH *2
July 18 - Nationwide Better Health 10 Miler & 10K, 8:00 am, & 5K, 9:00 am, Antrim Park, Columbus, OH *3
Bark at the Blues 5K Racewalk, 8:15 am, Blues Creek Preserve, Ostrander, OH *4
August 1 - Heinzerling 5K, 9:00 am, Homestead Park, Hilliard, OH *2
August 8 - Merrill Lynch Bull Run 5K, 9:00 am, Arena District, Columbus, OH *5
August 16 - Columbus Half Marathon, 7:00 am, & 5K, 7:45 am, Jerome High School, Dublin, OH *1
August 23 - Westerville Heritage 5K, 8:00 am, & 10K, 8:10 am, Alum Creek Park North, Westerville, OH *1
August 30 - Spirit of Columbus Half Marathon, 7:30 am, Scioto Park, Dublin, OH *6
The following races do not have walking divisions, but may be of interest:
July 24 - World Famous Pig Run 5K, 7:00 pm, Cultural Arts Center, Columbus, OH *1
July 30 - Irish Festival 4 Miler, 7:00 pm, Downtown, Dublin, OH *7
*1 Contact Ultrafit-USA at www.ultrafit-usa.com
MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT
These stores are offering discounts to Buckeye Striders members. Show your membership card to receive the discount.
The Second Sole Athletic Shoe Store, 28 North Sandusky Street, Delaware, Ohio is offering a 15% discount.
The Columbus Running Company, 6465 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, Ohio is offering a 10% discount.
The FrontRunner, 1344 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, Ohio is offering a 10% discount on shoes.
Fleet Feet, 1172 East Powell Road, Lewis Center, Ohio is offering a 10% discount on shoes.
Road Runner Sports, 535 Lakeview Plaza Blvd, Worthington, Ohio is offering a 10% discount.
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CLUB OFFICERS
OFFICE NAME PHONE E-MAIL
Birthday _______________________________________
TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .$_______
Release: Upon submission of this application I agree to assume all risks associated with participation in any activity of the Buckeye
Striders walking club. I release all sponsors, officers, and any other persons assisting on a voluntary basis from any claims of liability
resulting from my participation.
Signature(s)____________________________________________________________ Date______________________